Transport for London (TfL) has announced ten more London Underground stations that may get funding for step-free access as it plans to further improve public transport accessibility across the capital.
The 10 stations are spread across London and include West Hampstead and Finchley Road in Camden, Alperton, in Brent and Burnt Oak, in Barnet.
Arnos Grove, Eastcote, Northolt, North Acton, Rayners Lane and White City complete the list.
The stations have been identified by looking at the benefits to customers, including reduced journey times for those needing to use step-free access.
Issues that impact the delivery, such as the feasibility of new lifts, sufficient space for work to be carried out and the depth of each Tube station, was also taken into account.
The approach has also been influenced by feedback from accessibility campaigners and TfL’s consultation on step-free access, which took place in 2021 and saw 5,500 responses.
People asked TfL to address the gaps in areas that have few step-free stations.
The spread of the 10 station across the different ticketing zones was considered to help better connect customers to many other parts of London.
The ten stations on the priority list will be assessed to understand how much work is involved and the best way to deliver step-free upgrades including costs, benefits, funding opportunities and impact on customers.
TfL hopes to work with development partners in regeneration areas, such as the O2 Centre in West Hampstead.
Subject to funding being identified and outcome of feasibility studies, this could mean these stations will be step-free in 2026.
Cllr Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden, said: “I am delighted that TfL is prioritising step free access at West Hampstead and Finchley Road stations.
“We worked closely with TfL to ensure the plans for the O2 site could help deliver these community priorities which would transform access in this part of Camden to the Tube network.”
Cllr Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and climate action for Brent, said: “Step-free access means that more residents can access local health, education, employment and leisure opportunities in the borough and across our great city.
"This is an important step towards more inclusive spaces and making our transport network accessible to all.”
Caroline Stickland, chief executive officer for Transport for All, said: "We are extremely pleased to see more stations being made step-free, bringing us one step closer to an equitable, accessible transport system for all.
"Currently, only 1 in 3 London Underground stations has step-free access. This shuts disabled people out of vast swathes of the network, forcing us to take long and convoluted routes, and even preventing us from travelling entirely. By offering more targeted investment to prioritise areas that will have the widest impact, this policy can make a meaningful difference to the lives of disabled Londoners."
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